Office of Violence Prevention

We work to create and maintain safe, healthy and thriving communities in Minneapolis.
Director Sasha Cotton
Contact the Office of Violence Prevention

2021 Budget report

The Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention 2021 budget spending report is now available.
Read the report

What we do

The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) uses a community-focused, public health approach to help ensure that everyone can be free from violence. We work to break the cycle of violence by addressing it at three points:

  • Preventing it before it begins
  • Intervening at the first sign of risk
  • Healing after it happens
group of men in orange shirts

Explore this section

Violence prevention approach

We focus on the community and public health to prevent violence and keep people safe.

Violence prevention initiatives

Learn about the community initiatives we use to break the cycle of violence.

History of the Office of Violence Prevention

See how the Office of Violence Prevention began and our vision for the future of safety.

Related links

Handbook of the Streets

Find help and resources if you're experiencing homelessness

Violence prevention case study

View results of the public health approach in Minneapolis

Youth violence prevention

Watch a video series about Minneapolis work with youth

Related links

Community Safety programs

Community Safety

Behavioral health response teams

Crime prevention specialists

Resources

Receive support from the Day One crisis hotline

Connect to an advocate from Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line

Find youth-friendly shelter resources

Request accessible format

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Contact us

Minneapolis Health Department

Email Health Department

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415